2010 statistics: 85 tackles, 3 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), 3 fumble recoveriesDuck fans should be excited because: Hardrick has wanted to sign a letter of intent with Oregon for a long time.

There are currently two Colton High School graduates on the Ducks'
roster: Kicker Alejandro Maldonado and defensive back Derrick Malone,
who just completed their freshmen seasons. Each winter at Colton,
football players signing letters of intent gather in the school
gymnasium for an assembly, celebrating their athletic success with
fellow students and teachers. Last February, Hardrick watched as Malone
and Maldonado pledged their loyalty to the Ducks. This year, Colton High
School coach Richard Bray tried to convince Hardrick to simply sign his
letter in the principal's office without the fanfare. Hardrick wasn't
interested.

"He said, 'There's no way,'" Bray laughed. "These guys have been
watching their teammates do it for years and now it's their turn to be
celebrated."

In Hardrick the Ducks will get a player Bray describes as one of the best leaders to come out of his program.

"He's a team player and he has great leadership abilities," Bray said.
"He's going to do whatever he needs to get help Oregon continue the
success they've been having."

On the field, Bray said Hardrick is a quick study who thrives off his knowledge of the game.

"It's all about his reads," Bray said. "He'll study formations to the
point that he can call out an offensive play before they snap the ball.
He picks up tendencies very quickly. He's a great student of the game."